U.S. patent number 8,139,998 [Application Number 12/170,022] was granted by the patent office on 2012-03-20 for sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Canon Kabushiki Kaisha. Invention is credited to Shigeo Doi, Hitoshi Fujimoto, Takaharu Hayasaka, Kenichi Hayashi, Hideki Kushida.
United States Patent |
8,139,998 |
Hayasaka , et al. |
March 20, 2012 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus
Abstract
The present invention provides a sheet processing apparatus and
an image forming apparatus which can achieve reduction of running
cost. A notch part forming portion 400A including a punch 403 and a
die 404 forms plural notch parts in an end part of a sheet bundle
folded by a sheet folding portion. A discharge roller pair 402a and
402b turns back the notch parts to bind the sheet bundle. As a
result, the sheet bundle can easily be opened and the reduction of
the running cost can be achieved because stapling is not
performed.
Inventors: |
Hayasaka; Takaharu (Toride,
JP), Kushida; Hideki (Moriya, JP), Hayashi;
Kenichi (Abiko, JP), Fujimoto; Hitoshi (Abiko,
JP), Doi; Shigeo (Toride, JP) |
Assignee: |
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
(JP)
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Family
ID: |
40252430 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/170,022 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090014936 A1 |
Jan 15, 2009 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jul 12, 2007 [JP] |
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2007-182873 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
399/407; 399/408;
412/33 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H
45/18 (20130101); B42C 1/125 (20130101); B42C
5/04 (20130101); B65H 39/00 (20130101); B65H
2403/514 (20130101); B65H 2301/51514 (20130101); B65H
2801/27 (20130101); B65H 2301/51538 (20130101); B65H
2301/4227 (20130101); B65H 2701/1829 (20130101); B65H
2301/4213 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G03G
15/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;399/407,408
;412/34,38,40,33 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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08-142537 |
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Jun 1996 |
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JP |
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9-165136 |
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Jun 1997 |
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JP |
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2004-284750 |
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Oct 2004 |
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JP |
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Other References
Japanese Office Action dated Sep. 20, 2011 in counterpart
application JP 2007-182873. English translation provided. cited by
other.
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Primary Examiner: Marini; Matthew G
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Rossi, Kimms & McDowell LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet or a sheet
bundle, the sheet processing apparatus comprising: a notch part
forming portion which forms a plurality of notch parts in an end
part of a sheet or a sheet bundle, each notch part including a base
part and an oblique side part that is cut off from the sheet on
both sides of the base part; and a sheet binding portion which
turns back the plurality of notch parts to bind the sheet or the
sheet bundle, wherein the notch part forming portion includes a
punch and a die, wherein a clearance between the punch and the die
in a part parallel to the end part of the sheet bundle is set
larger than a clearance between the punch and the die in a part
where the notch is formed, and wherein each of the punch and the
die has a blade for cutting the oblique side part, a blade surface
of the punch has a gradient with respect to a blade surface of the
die, and the blade of the die has an angle smaller than an angle of
the blade of the punch.
2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a sheet folding portion which folds sheets, wherein the
notch part forming portion forms the plurality of notch parts at
another end part of the sheet bundle folded by the sheet folding
portion.
3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
end part of the sheet bundle is an open edge opposite the folded
part of the sheet bundle folded by the sheet folding portion.
4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising: an end part turn-back portion which turns back the open
edge opposite the folded part of the sheet bundle folded by the
sheet folding portion, wherein the end part of the sheet bundle is
the open edge of the sheet bundle turned back by the end part
turn-back portion.
5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
end part of the sheet bundle is the folded part of the sheet bundle
folded by the sheet folding portion.
6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a sheet folding portion which folds a sheet, wherein
the end part of the sheet is an open edge opposite the folded part
of the sheet folded by the sheet folding portion.
7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a sheet folding portion which folds a sheet; and an end
part turn-back portion which turns back an open edge opposite the
folded part of the sheet folded by the sheet folding portion,
wherein the end part of the sheet is the open edge of the sheet
turned back by the end part turn-back portion.
8. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a sheet folding portion which folds a sheet, wherein
the end part of the sheet bundle is the folded part of the sheet
folded by the sheet folding portion.
9. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising: a sheet folding portion which folds the sheets, wherein
a sheet which is longer than other sheets contained in the folded
sheet bundle, is supplied to an outermost sheet, and the notch part
forming portion forms the plurality of notch parts at an open edge
of the outermost sheet projected from the open edge of other sheets
when the sheet bundle is folded by the sheet folding portion.
10. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the notch part forming portion notches an end part of the sheet
bundle to form the plurality of notch parts, and the notch part
forming portion folds the plurality of notch parts every other
notch part.
11. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the sheet binding portion is a sheet conveying portion provided on
a downstream side of the notch part forming portion, and the sheet
conveying portion causes the sheet to stop or switchback when the
plurality of folded notch parts of the sheet bundle pass through
the sheet conveying portion.
12. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a
guide which guides the sheet bundle is provided between the sheet
conveying portion and the notch part forming portion while inclined
toward the sheet conveying portion.
13. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
the sheet conveying portion is provided while shift toward an
opposite direction to a direction in which the notch part forming
portion turns back the sheet bundle.
14. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the notch part forming portion alternately folds the plurality of
notch parts while notching the end part of the sheet bundle to form
the plurality of notch parts.
15. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein
the sheet binding portion is a sheet conveying portion provided on
a downstream side of the notch part forming portion, and the sheet
conveying portion causes the sheet to stop or switchback when the
plurality of folded notch parts of the sheet bundle pass through
the sheet conveying portion.
16. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a
guide which guides the sheet bundle is provided between the sheet
conveying portion and the notch part forming portion while inclined
toward the sheet conveying portion.
17. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a perforating portion which perforates the sheet bundle
inside a range where the notch parts are formed.
18. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the notch part forming portion is operated according to the number
of sheets and a thickness of the sheet bundle.
19. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming portion
which forms an image on a sheet; and the sheet processing apparatus
which processes the sheet on which the image is formed, wherein the
sheet processing apparatus comprises: a notch part forming portion
which forms a plurality of notch parts in an end part of a sheet or
a sheet bundle, each notch part including a base part and an
oblique side part that is cut off from the sheet on both sides of
the base part; and a sheet binding portion which turns back the
plurality of notch parts to bind the sheet or the sheet bundle,
wherein the notch part forming portion includes a punch and a die,
wherein a clearance between the punch and the die in a part
parallel to the end part of the sheet bundle is set larger than a
clearance between the punch and the die in a part where the notch
is formed, and wherein each of the punch and the die has a blade
for cutting the oblique side part, a blade surface of the punch has
a gradient with respect to a blade surface of the die, and the
blade of the die has an angle smaller than an angle of the blade of
the punch.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and
an image forming apparatus, particularly to a configuration used to
bind a sheet bundle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, sometimes a sheet processing apparatus performing a
binding process to sheets on which images are formed is provided in
the image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser beam
printer, a facsimile, and a multi function peripheral thereof.
Furthermore, in the conventional sheet processing apparatus,
sometimes a binding process or a process of gluing end parts of the
sheets is performed in the case where the sheet bundle is
stapled.
In the conventional image forming apparatus, when the image
(information) is formed (printed) on the sheet, sometimes a site at
which the image output is instructed is separated from a site at
which the image forming apparatus is placed. In such cases, after
the image output is instructed, a third party possibly sees the
information, while the sheet on which the image is formed is picked
up or while the sheet is stored or conveyed, whereby a security
problem arises.
Therefore, in order to solve the problem, there is proposed a sheet
processing apparatus which discharges the sheet after an open edge
opposite a folded part of the folded a sheet (bundle) or an open
edge opposite a bound part of the bound sheet bundle is formed
partially or wholly in an uncut shape.
Specifically, there is proposed a method in which a stapling
process is performed to form the sheet (bundle) in the uncut shape
after a perforating process is performed to a part where the open
edge of the folded sheet (bundle) is opened (see Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. 2004-284750). There is also proposed a
method in which the open edge side of the bound sheet bundle is
partially or wholly stapled and bound (see Japanese Patent
Application Laid-Open No. 09-165136).
However, in the conventional sheet processing apparatus, a staple
is required to bind the sheets. As a result, unfortunately running
cost is increased, and the apparatus is stopped to lower
productivity when the staple is run out.
In the case where the sheet bundle is stapled to form the sheet
bundle in the uncut shape, unfortunately a large amount of
man-hours is taken to remove the staple when the sheet bundle is
opened, and the removed staple becomes a waste stuff.
In view or the foregoing, the present invention provides a sheet
processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus which can
achieve reduction of the running cost.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a sheet processing
apparatus which processes a sheet or a sheet bundle includes a
notch part forming portion which forms plural notch parts in an end
part of a sheet or a sheet bundle; and a sheet bundle portion which
turns back the plural notch parts to bind the sheet or the sheet
bundle.
According to the invention, the plural notch parts are formed in
the end part of the sheet or the sheet bundle, and the plural notch
parts is turned back to bind the sheet or the sheet bundle, so that
the reduction of the running cost can be achieved.
Further features of the present invention will become apparent from
the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference
to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a copying machine which is of
an example of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet
processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a
sheet bundle binding device provided in the sheet processing
apparatus;
FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the sheet
bundle binding device;
FIG. 4 illustrates a configuration of a binding portion provided in
the sheet bundle binding device;
FIG. 5 illustrates a control block diagram of the copying
machine;
FIG. 6 illustrates a sheet bundle binding operation of the sheet
bundle binding device;
FIG. 7 illustrates a sheet bundle to which the sheet bundle binding
device performs a binding process;
FIG. 8 illustrates another sheet bundle to which the sheet bundle
binding device performs the binding process;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of a sheet
bundle binding device according to a second embodiment of the
invention;
FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration of a sheet bundle binding
device provided in a sheet processing apparatus according to a
third embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 11 is a first view illustrating a sheet bundle binding
operation of the sheet bundle binding device of the third
embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a second view illustrating the sheet bundle binding
operation of the sheet bundle binding device of the third
embodiment; and
FIG. 13 illustrates a sheet bundle to which the sheet bundle
binding device of the third embodiment performs the binding
process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with
reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of a copying machine which is of
an example of an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet
processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the
invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, a copying machine main body 100 of a
monochrome and color copying machine (hereinafter referred to as
copying machine) 110 includes an image forming portion 101, an
image sensor 102, and an image reader portion 103. The image reader
portion 103 includes an original feeding portion 104. A finisher
600 which is of a sheet processing apparatus is connected to the
copying machine main body 100.
In the copying machine 110, when an image is formed on a sheet, an
image sensor 102 scans an image of an original (not illustrated)
conveyed by the original feeding portion 104 of the image reader
portion 103. Then, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black toner images
are formed on photosensitive drums 101a to 101d according to
scanned image information respectively.
When a sheet feed signal is supplied, the sheet is fed from
cassettes 107a to 107d provided in the copying machine main body
100 to the image forming portion 101, and the yellow, magenta,
cyan, and black toner images on the photosensitive drums are
sequentially transferred to the sheet.
Then, the sheet to which the toner images are transferred is
conveyed to a fixing device 111. The fixing device 111 permanently
fixes the transferred images to the sheet, and a discharge roller
pair discharges the sheet from the copying machine main body 100 to
convey the sheet to the finisher 600.
The finisher 600 sequentially takes in the sheets discharged from
the copying machine main body 100, and the finisher 600 performs a
process of aligning the sheets to bind up the sheets into a bundle.
Additionally, the finisher 600 performs various processes such as a
stapling process of stapling rear ends (upstream end in a sheet
conveying direction) of the bound-up sheet bundle, a punch process
of making a hole near the rear ends of the sheets, a sort and
non-sort process, a folding process of folding the sheet bundle,
and a double-folded bookbinding process.
The finisher 600 includes a saddle stitching processing portion 200
which performs a double-folded bookbinding process, a side stitch
processing portion 300 which performs a stapling process, a sheet
bundle binding device 400 which binds the sheet bundle, and a
second folding portion 500.
In the finisher 600, the sheets discharged from the copying machine
main body 100 can be processed online. Because sometimes the
finisher 600 is used as an optional extra, the copying machine main
body 100 can also be used by itself. The finisher 600 and the
copying machine main body 100 may integrally be formed.
The finisher 600 includes an entrance roller pair 602 to guide the
sheet discharged from the copying machine main body 100 to the
inside of the finisher 600. A switch flapper 601 is provided on the
downstream side of the entrance roller pair 602. The switch flapper
601 selectively guides the sheet to a side stitch bookbinding path
X or a saddle stitching bookbinding path Y. The sheet is guided to
a side stitch processing portion 300 through the side stitch
bookbinding path X, and the sheet is guided to a saddle stitching
processing portion 200 through the saddle stitching bookbinding
path Y.
When the switch flapper 601 guides the sheet to the side stitch
bookbinding path X, the sheet is delivered toward a buffer roller
605 through a conveying roller pair 603. Predetermined sheets
delivered to an outer circumference of the buffer roller 605 are
wound around the buffer roller 605 while stacked on.
A punch unit 650 is provided between the conveying roller pair 603
and the buffer roller 605, and the punch unit 650 is operated if
needed to make a hole near the rear end of the conveyed sheet.
The sheets delivered to the buffer roller 605 are stacked on a
sample tray 621 or on an intermediate processing tray 330 which is
of a sheet tacking portion in the side stitch processing portion
300 by the switch flapper 611 disposed on the downstream.
The aligning process is performed to the sheets stacked in the
bundle shape on the intermediate processing tray 330 if needed, and
the stapling process are performed to a corner part or a back part
of the sheets by the stapler 301. Then, discharge rollers 380a and
380b discharge the sheets onto a stack tray 622.
On the other hand, when the switch flapper 601 guides the sheet to
the saddle stitching bookbinding path Y, a conveying roller pair
213 stores the sheet in a storage guide 220 of the saddle stitching
processing portion 200, and the sheet is are conveyed until a front
end of the sheet abuts on a lifting type sheet positioning member
(not illustrated) A stapler 218 is provided on the way to the
storage guide 220, and the stapler 218 staples the center of the
sheet bundle in cooperation with an anvil 219.
A first folding roller pair 226a and 226b is provided on the
downstream of the stapler 218, and the first folding roller pair
226a and 226b constitutes a sheet folding portion which folds the
sheet bundle. An ejection member 225 is provided while facing the
first folding roller pair 226a and 226b.
In the saddle stitching processing portion 200, after the sheet is
conveyed until the front end of the sheet abuts on the lifting type
sheet positioning member, the stapler 218 selectively staples the
center portions of the sheets, and the sheet bundle is folded. In
folding the sheet bundle, the sheet positioning member is lowered
such that the sheet bundle stapling position faces a center
position (nip) of the first folding roller pair 226a and 226b.
Then, the ejection member 225 is ejected toward the sheet bundle to
tuck the sheet bundle between the first folding roller pair 226a
and 226b (nip), the sheet bundle is conveyed while nipped between
the first folding roller pair 226a and 226b, and the sheet bundle
is folded. Therefore, the sheet bundle is formed into a
double-folded brochure shape.
The saddle stitching processing portion 200 can perform a process
of folding the sheet or sheet bundle without binding the sheet or
sheet bundle. In this case, the operation of the stapler 218 is not
performed, but only the double-folding process is performed in the
above-described processes.
The double-folded sheet is directly conveyed to a second folding
portion 500 by the first folding roller pair 226a and 226b. The
second folding portion 500 is of an edge turn-back portion which
turns back the sheet to an open edge (non-folded part side) of the
sheet.
The second folding portion 500 includes a second folding roller
pair 226b and 502 and a stopper 501. The stopper 501 is projected
toward a sheet conveying path at a position where a distance from
the nip between the first folding roller pair 226a and 226b is
shorter than a length in a sheet conveying direction of the sheet
(bundle).
The second folding portion 500 includes a second folding member
503. After the double-folded sheet (bundle) abut on the stopper
501, the second folding member 503 is lowered to guide the sheet
(bundle) to a nip part between the second folding roller pair 226b
and 502. A perforation adding device 510 is a perforating portion
which perforates the sheet bundle.
In the second folding portion 500, in the case where the binding
process is not further performed, the stopper 501 is retracted from
the sheet conveyed by the first folding roller pair 226a and 226b.
Therefore, the conveying roller 550 discharges the double-folded
sheet to a discharge tray 480.
On the other hand, in the case where the binding process is
performed to open edge of the sheet (bundle), the stopper 501 is
projected to the sheet conveying path, and therefore the
double-folded sheet (bundle) abut on the stopper 501 in the saddle
stitching processing portion 200. Then, the second folding member
503 is lowered, and the open edges opposite the folding portions of
the sheet (bundle) guided to the nip part between the second
folding roller pair 226b and 502.
The second folding roller pair 226b and 502 performs the folding
process to the open edges to convey the open edge to the sheet
bundle binding device 400. At this point, the perforation adding
device 510 may add the perforation at the position where the sheet
(bundle) abuts on the stopper 501 such that the perforation is
located inside a range where notch parts are formed in the sheet
(bundle). After the perforation is added to the position, the sheet
(bundle) is guided to the nip part between the second folding
roller pair 226b and 502.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sheet bundle binding device
400 includes a notch part forming portion 400A. The notch part
forming portion 400A includes a punch 403, a die 404, and a cam 405
which drives the punch 403. When the cam 405 is driven by a driving
source (not illustrated), the punch 403 is vertically moved, which
allows the sheet (bundle) to be notched and folded.
In FIGS. 2 and 3, a conveying roller pair 401a and 401b conveys the
sheet (bundle) conveyed from the second folding portion 500 to the
notch part forming portion 400A. A discharge roller pair 402a and
402b constituting a sheet conveying portion is provided on the
downstream of the notch part forming portion 400A in the sheet
conveying direction, and the discharge roller pair 402a and 402b
discharges (conveys) the sheet (bundle) which the notch part
forming portion 400A notches and folds to the discharge tray
480.
As illustrated in FIG. 4A, plural blades of the punch 403 are
provided in a width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying
direction. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, in a blade surface of the
punch 403, a angle d is provided from a front end toward a base.
Therefore, the notches can be formed in the end part of the sheet
(bundle) and the part where the notches are formed in the end part
of the sheet (bundle) can be folded downward.
As illustrated in FIG. 4A, an oblique side part S of the die 404
differs from a base part T of the die 404 in a clearance of the die
404 to the punch 403. That is, the clearance of the base part T is
set larger than that of the oblique side part S such that the
notches can be formed in the sheet (bundle) by the oblique side
part S and such that the notch part formed between the notches can
be folded by the base part T.
The clearance of the part which is substantially parallel to a side
formed between the punch 403 and the die 404 is set broader than
the clearance of the part where the notch is formed. Therefore, the
notching and folding can be performed by the one notch part forming
portion 400A.
As illustrated in FIG. 4C, a relief angle f is provided in the
blade of the die 404. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the relief angle f
is smaller than an angle (not angle) e of the blade of the punch
403 cutting in the sheet (bundle) (e>f). Therefore, the part
where the notch is formed can enter the inside of the die 404
without being disturbed by the die 404.
FIG. 5 illustrates a control block diagram of the copying machine
110. A CPU circuit portion 700 includes CPU 700a, ROM 700b in which
a control program is stored, and RAM 700c which is used as an area
for temporarily retaining control data or a working area for
computation associated with control.
In FIG. 5, an external I/F 702 is an interface between the copying
machine 110 and an external PC 701. When the external I/F 702
receives print data from PC 701, the external I/F 702 expands the
print data into a bitmap image, and the external I/F 702 supplies
the bitmap image in the form of image data to an image signal
control portion 703.
The image signal control portion 703 supplies the image data to a
printer control portion 704, and the printer control portion 704
supplies the data supplied from the image signal control portion
703 to an exposure control portion (not illustrated). An image
reader control portion 705 supplies the image of the original
scanned by the image sensor (see FIG. 1) to the image signal
control portion 703, and the image signal control portion 703
supplies the image to the printer control portion 704.
An operation portion 710 includes plural keys which set various
functions concerning the image formation and display portion which
displays a setting state. The operation portion 710 supplies a key
signal corresponding to each key operation performed by a user to
the CPU circuit portion 700, and the operation portion 710 displays
corresponding information on the display portion based on the
signal from the CPU circuit portion 700.
On the basis of the control program stored in ROM 700b and the
setting of the operation portion 710, the CPU circuit portion 700
controls the original feeding portion 104 through an original
feeding control portion 706 while controlling the image signal
control portion 703.
The CPU circuit portion 700 controls the image reader portion 103
through the image reader control portion 705, and the CPU circuit
portion 700 controls the image forming portion 101 through the
printer control portion 704. The CPU circuit portion 700 controls
the saddle stitching processing portion 200, side stitch processing
portion 300, sheet bundle binding device 400, and second folding
portion 500 which are provided in the finisher 600 through a
finisher control portion 711.
The CPU circuit portion 700 controls the finisher control portion
711 of the finisher 600 based on the process mode fed from and set
by the PC 701 or the operation portion 710.
A sheet bundle binding operation of the sheet bundle binding device
400 will be described below.
In the first embodiment, as described above, the second folding
member 503 is lowered after the double-folded sheet bundle abuts on
the stopper 501. Therefore, the open edge of the sheet bundle is
guided to the nip part between the second folding roller pair 226b
and 502, and the turn-back process is performed by the second
folding roller pair 226b and 502. That is, the open edge of the
sheet bundle is turned back by the second folding roller pair 226b
and 502.
Then, the conveying roller pair 401a and 401b conveys the sheet
bundle whose open edge is turned back to the notch part forming
portion 400A while the open edge stands at the forefront. The notch
part forming portion 400A forms the plural notch parts in the sheet
bundle in the width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying
direction. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, an open edge of a sheet
bundle P reaches and stops a predetermined position located below
the punch 403.
As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the punch 403 is driven through the cam
405 and lowered, thereby forming the plural notch parts in the
width direction at the open edge of the sheet bundle P. The punch
403 is lowered even after the notching is ended.
Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 6C, due to the clearance
appropriately imparted between the punch 403 and the die 404, the
open edge is folded downward at a substantially right angle by the
notch, and many notch parts Pa folded downward are formed at the
open edge.
Thus, the notch part forming portion 400A forms the plural notches
at the open edge of the sheet bundle, the notch parts formed by the
notch at the open edge of the sheet bundle are notched and folded
every other notch part by one stroke of the punch 403.
In the notch part forming portion 400A, the many notch parts Pa
folded at the substantially right angle at the open edge are formed
by the notching and folding, the sheet bundle P is conveyed to the
discharge roller pair 402a and 402b by the conveying roller pair
401a and 401b.
At this point, the nip part between the discharge roller pair 402a
and 402b is shifted upward from an upper surface of the die 404,
that is, in the opposite direction to the direction in which the
open edge of the sheet bundle is folded. A guide 406 is provided
between the notch part forming portion 400A and the discharge
roller pair 402a and 402b to guide the sheet bundle to the
discharge roller pair 402a and 402b.
The guide 406 is inclined such that the open edge to which the
notching and the folding are performed is guided to the
upwardly-shift nip part between the discharge roller pair 402a and
402b and such that the sheet discharge direction becomes
higher.
When the many notch parts Pa of the sheet bundle P folded downward
at the substantially right angle passes through the guide 406, the
notch parts Pa are turned back at about 180 degrees by inclining
the guide 406.
In order to surely turn back the notch parts Pa, the control may be
performed such that the sheet bundle P is stopped once when the
notch parts Pa passes through the discharge roller pair 402a and
402b or such that the notch parts Pa passes through the nip part
plural times by switchback. A friction coefficient may be increased
by providing irregularities in a surface of the guide 406.
Then, the notch parts Pa are turned back at about 180 degrees by
the discharge roller pair 402a and 402b. The discharge roller pair
402a and 402b is the sheet binding portion which turns back the
notch parts Pa to bind the sheet bundle. Then, the discharge roller
pair 402a and 402b discharges the sheet bundle P to the discharge
tray 480. A user opens the sheet bundle P from the notch parts Pa,
which allows the sheet bundle P to be used as a usual brochure.
In the case where the perforation is added, the sheet bundle P can
be opened by cutting the perforation part formed inside the range
where the notch parts Pa of the sheet bundle are formed. The
invention also holds well even if the notching and folding are
performed without turning back the notch parts to the open edge. In
addition to the double-folded sheet bundle, the same effect as the
stapling process in which a staple is used even if the notching and
folding are performed to the end part of the sheet bundle in which
only the predetermined sheets are stacked.
Thus, in the first embodiment, the plural notches are formed at the
end part of the sheet bundle, and the notches are folded every
other notch to form the plural notch parts Pa. The sheet bundle
bound by turning back the plural notch parts Pa formed at the end
part of the sheet bundle can easily be opened, and the stapling is
not performed, so that the reduction of the running cost can be
achieved. Because a sticking material such as glue is not used,
contamination of the apparatus can be prevented. Additionally,
because the plural notch parts Pa are formed in the end part of the
sheet bundle, only the minimal waste stuff is generated when the
notch parts Pa are cut to use the usual brochure after the sheet
bundle is opened.
Although the sheet bundle is linearly cut in the first embodiment,
the cutting shape is not limited to the linear shape. For example,
the sheet bundle may be cut in the arc shape. The second folding
portion 500 and the notch part forming portion 400A may be unitized
and disposed on the downstream side of the side stitch processing
portion 300. Therefore, the similar process can be performed to the
sheet bundle which is discharged by the discharge roller pair 380
after the stapling process is performed.
A determination whether or not the sheet bundle binding device 400
is operated may be made according to the number of sheets and a
sheet thickness of the sheet bundle to which the binding process is
performed. The outermost sheet of the sheet bundle which
constitutes a front cover of the brochure is formed by a sheet
having a different size, and the plural notch parts may be formed
at the open edge of the sheet projected from other sheets when the
sheet bundle is folded. That is, the sheet which is longer than
other sheets constituting the filling is supplied, and the binding
process may be performed by performing the cutting and folding to
the sheet. FIG. 8 illustrates the product obtained by the
above-described manner.
In the first embodiment, the notch parts are formed at the open
edge of the double-folded sheet bundle. Alternatively, the notch
parts may be formed in the folded parts of the double-folded sheet
(bundle) to tentatively bind the sheet bundle.
A second embodiment of the invention will be described below. In
the second embodiment of the invention, the notch parts are formed
in the folded part of the double-folded sheet bundle.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a control operation of the sheet
bundle binding device 400 of the second embodiment.
In the second embodiment, a determination of a bookbinding mode is
made (S100). In the bookbinding mode, the bookbinding is performed
to the sheet bundle. In the case of the bookbinding mode (Y in
S100), it is determined whether the saddle stitching is performed
or the notch parts are formed at the open edge without performing
the saddle stitching (S101). In the case of not the bookbinding
mode (N in S100), another process is performed (S150).
In the case where the saddle stitching is performed (Y in S101), a
method of performing the saddle stitching process is determined.
That is, it is determined whether the saddle stitching is
tentatively bound or stapled (S102). In the case where the saddle
stitching is tentatively bound (Y in S102) the saddle stitching
processing portion 200 performs the folding process (S103). That
is, the saddle stitching processing portion 200 performs not the
stapling process but the double-folding process.
The second folding member 503 provided in the second folding
portion 500 is previously lowered partway (S104). Therefore, the
folded part of the double-folded sheet bundle abuts on the second
folding member 503. Then, the sheet bundle is guided to the nip
part between the second folding roller pair 226b and 502 while the
folded part stands at the forefront, and the sheet bundle passes
through the second folding roller pair 226b and 502.
In the sheet bundle binding device 400, the notch part forming
portion 400A performs the tentative binding process as described in
the first embodiment. That is, the notch parts are provided in the
folded part of the sheet bundle to perform the tentative binding
(S105). After the tentative binding, the discharge roller pair 402a
and 402b discharges the sheet bundle.
In the case where the saddle stitching is not formed by the
tentative binding (N in S102), that is, in the case where the
saddle stitching is performed by the stapling, saddle stitching
stapling is performed (S109), and the saddle stitching processing
portion 200 performs the folding process (S110).
In the case where the tentative binding is performed to the open
edge (Y in S111), similarly to the first embodiment, the second
folding is performed. That is, the sheet bundle is conveyed to the
nip part between the second folding roller pair 226b and 502 while
the open edge stands at the forefront, and the open edge of the
sheet bundle is turned back. Then, the tentative binding is
performed to the turned-back open edge of the sheet bundle
(S112).
In the case where the tentative binding is not performed after the
folding process is performed (N in S111), the conveying roller 550
directly discharges the sheet bundle. In the case where the saddle
stitching is not performed (N in S101), the saddle stitching
processing portion 200 performs the folding process without
performing the binding process (S130).
In the case where the notch parts are formed to tentatively binding
the open edge (Y in S111), similarly to the first embodiment, the
sheet bundle is conveyed to the nip part between the second folding
roller pair 226b and 502 while the open edge stands at the
forefront, and the second folding is performed (S112). Then, the
turned-back open edge of the sheet bundle is tentatively bound
(S105). In the case where the tentative binding is not performed (N
in S111), the conveying roller 550 directly discharges the sheet
bundle.
As described above, in the second embodiment, the notch parts are
formed in the folded part of the double-folded sheet bundle to
tentatively bind the sheet bundle. Therefore, the staple which is
necessary in the conventional saddle stitching bookbinding can be
eliminated to reduce the running cost.
A third embodiment of the invention will be described below.
FIG. 10 illustrates a configuration of a sheet bundle binding
device provided in a sheet processing apparatus of the third
embodiment. In FIG. 10, the same or equivalent component as that of
FIG. 3 is designated by the same numeral.
Referring to FIG. 10, a second punch 410 is formed into a
substantially rectangular solid shape, and second punch cam 411
lifts and lowers the second punch 410. The second punch 410 is
disposed with a proper clearance in the sheet conveying direction
with respect to the punch 403, and the second punch 410 is lifted
and lowered through the second punch cam 411 by a driving source
(not illustrated).
A movable guide plate 420 is provided between the die 404 and the
second punch 410, and a biasing spring 421 applies a force to the
movable guide plate 420. Usually the biasing spring causes the
movable guide plate 420 to but on a latching portion (not
illustrated) provided above, thereby positioning the movable guide
plate 420.
A sheet bundle binding operation performed by the sheet bundle
binding device of the third embodiment will be described below.
In the case where the sheet binding process is performed to the
open part of the sheet (bundle), the double-folded sheet bundle
abuts on the stopper 501 in the saddle stitching processing portion
200. Then, the second folding member 503 is lowered, and the open
edge opposite the saddle stitching part of the sheet bundle or the
open edge opposite the folded part is guided to the nip part
between the second folding roller pair 226b and 502.
Then, the second folding roller pair 226b and 502 performs the
turn-back processing to the open edge, and the sheet bundle is
conveyed to the notch part forming portion 400A. The sheet bundle
may be conveyed to the notch part forming portion 400A after the
perforation adding device 510 perforates the sheet bundle at the
position where the sheet bundle abuts on the stopper 501.
Then, the conveying roller pair 401a and 401b conveys the sheet
bundle whose open edge is turned back to the notch part forming
portion 400A while the open edge stands at the forefront. Then, as
illustrated in FIG. 11A, the sheet bundle P stops when the open
edge reaches a predetermined position below the punch 403.
As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the punch 403 is lowered to form the
plural notches in the width direction at the open edge of the sheet
bundle P. The punch 403 is lowered even after the notching is
ended. Therefore, the open edge is folded downward at the
substantially right angle by the clearance properly imparted
between the die 404 and the open edge, and the many notch parts are
formed in the open edge while folded downward. At this point,
because the movable guide plate 420 is pushed down by the punch
403, the movable guide plate 420 does not interrupt the movement of
the punch 403.
After the notching and folding are performed, the punch 403 is
lifted. When the punch 403 is lifted, the biasing spring 421
returns the movable guide plate 420 to the original position at
which the sheet bundle P is guided toward the second punch 410.
Then, the sheet bundle P is conveyed to a predetermined amount, and
the sheet bundle P stops at the position where only the open edge
to which the folding is not performed overlaps the second punch 410
as illustrated in FIG. 12A. Then, the second punch 410 is driven
and lifted through the second punch cam 411.
Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 12B, the open edge to which the
folding is not performed in the punch 403 and the die 404 by the
clearance properly imparted between punch 403 and the second punch
410 is folded upward at the substantially right angle by the
notches, and whereby the many notch parts Pa and Pb are formed at
the open edge while alternatively folded upward and downward as
illustrated in FIG. 13.
An upper guide 407a and a lower guide 407b are provided between the
notch part forming portion 400A and the discharge roller pair 402a
and 402b in order to guide the sheet bundle to the discharge roller
pair 402a and 402b.
In order to guide the open part to which the folding process is
performed to the nip part between the discharge roller pair 402a
and 402b, the upper guide 407a is inclined so as to be lowered
toward the sheet discharge direction, and the lower guide 407b is
inclined so as to be raised toward the sheet discharge
direction.
Because the upper and lower guides 407a and 407b are inclined, the
many notch parts Pa and Pb folded upward and downward at the
substantially right angle are turned back at about 180 degrees as
shown in FIG. 13 when passing through the upper and lower guides
407a and 407b.
In order to surely turn back the notch parts Pa and Pb, the sheet
bundle may be caused to stop tentatively or switchback to pass
through the nip part plural times when the sheet bundle passes
through the discharge roller pair 402a and 402b. The friction
coefficient may be increased by providing the irregularities in
surfaces of the upper and lower guides 407a and 407b.
The notch parts are turned back at about 180 degrees to bind the
sheet bundle, and the discharge roller pair 402a and 402b
discharges the sheet bundle to the discharge tray 480. Then, a user
opens the sheet bundle P from the notch parts Pa and Pb, which
allows the sheet bundle P to be used as a usual brochure.
As described above, in the third embodiment, the plural notch parts
are formed in the end part of the sheet bundle, and the notch parts
are alternately folded upward and downward to form the plural notch
parts Pa and Pb. The plural upper and lower notch parts Pa and Pb
are formed in the end part of the sheet bundle, whereby the bound
sheet bundle can easily be opened and the reduction of the running
cost can be achieved.
In the third embodiment, the many notch parts Pa and Pb are
alternately folded upward and downward in the sheet bundle to which
the saddle stitching is performed or the open edge of the
double-folded sheet bundle. Alternatively, the sheet bundle may
tentatively be bound by forming the many notch parts in upper and
lower parts of the folded part of the double-folded sheet
bundle.
In such cases, when the saddle stitching processing portion 200
does not perform the stapling process but the first folding roller
pair 226a and 226b performs the double-folding process, the second
folding member 503 provided in the second folding portion 500 is
previously lowered partway.
The folded part of the sheet bundle conveyed from the first folding
roller pair 226a and 226b is guided to the second folding roller
pair 226b and 502. Then, the notch part forming portion 400A can
perform the saddle stitching by performing the process of the notch
part forming portion 400A of the second embodiment. Therefore, the
staple which is necessary in the conventional saddle stitching
bookbinding can be eliminated to reduce the running cost.
In the embodiments, the notch part forming portion cuts the end
portion of the sheet bundle to form the plural notch parts, and the
plural notch parts are folded. The invention is not limited to the
embodiments.
For example, the notch part forming portion performs the folding
while performing the notching, which facilitates the turn-back
process of the sheet binding portion. The notch parts Pa to which
the sheet binding portion performs only the notching may be turned
back at about 180 degrees.
In the sheet bundle binding process in which the commercially
available tape is used to bind the sheet bundle, when the sheet
bundle is largely opened or when the sheet bundle is repeatedly
opened and closed, unfortunately an binding force between the glue
of the edge part of the sheet bundle and the sheet is decreased and
the sheet in the sheet bundle drops out.
However, in the sheet bundle binding process in which the
commercially available tape is used to bind the sheet bundle, the
product illustrated in FIG. 13 is formed as a pre-process of
preventing the drop-out of the sheet in binding the sheets with the
tape, whereby the sheet in the sheet bundle does not drop out.
The punch 403 and die 404 which are of a die set or the
constituting the notch part forming portion 400A or second punch
410 is divided in a longitudinal direction and independently
driven, whereby only a part of the sheet or the edge part of the
sheet bundle can be notched and folded.
In the embodiments, the finisher (sheet processing apparatus) 600
including the sheet bundle binding device 400 is connected to the
copying machine main body 100. Alternatively, the finisher (sheet
processing apparatus) 600 may independently be used.
While the present invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of
the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation
so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures
and functions.
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application
No. 2007-182873, filed Jul. 12, 2007, which is hereby incorporated
by reference herein in its entirety.
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